USDA National Agroforestry Center

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• National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council announces a "2012 Call for Proposals."

  The NUCFAC has posted the U.S. Forest Service 2012 Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share grant program.
  Those interested may download a copy of the application and instructions from:
  http://www.grants.gov
  reference : CFDA 10.675, or
  http://www.fs.fed.us/ucf/nucfac
  Applications are due to grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. EST Dec. 1, 2011
  By request, hardcopy applications are available Ten copies and a disk should be submitted via Courier Service by the due date and time to:

• Nancy Stremple

  U.S. Forest Service,

  Urban and Community Forestry

  201 1400 Independence Ave.

  Yates Building (1 Central) MS-1151,

  Washington, DC 20250-1151

   

  For more information or assistance, contact:

  Nancy Stremple, Executive Staff

  Phone: 202-205-7829

  Email: nstremple@fs.fed.us

• Michele Schoeneberger, NAC researcher, is a contributing author of a new report on climate change from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, CAST.

  The report,Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities, gives detailed scientific explanations, and examines the causes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, how they might be managed and what the environmental, economic, and policymaking consequences might be. While heated debates about climate change often seem to cloud the issue, science-based research provides clarity and the most credible foundation for decision makers. The full text of Task Force Report 142 is available in hard copy ($50.00, plus shipping) and electronically ($10.00 download fee) through the CAST website at www.cast-science.org.
• University of Minnesota Extension’s Fall Woody Biomass Webinar Series

  The University of Minnesota Extension will offer seven web-based seminars, or “webinars” on woody biomass in Fall, 2011.

  There is no charge, but pre-registration is required in order to obtain webinar connection instructions. All webinars will be recorded and made available online for later viewing.

  More information:  http://z.umn.edu/WBwebinar

• U.S. Rivers and Streams super-satuated with carbon dioxide
  Rivers and streams in the United States are releasing substantially more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than previously thought. These findings could change the way scientists model the movement of carbon between land, water, and the atmosphere.
• The North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) announces the 2011 call for Farmer/Rancher Grant Proposals. Download grant applications at http://sare.org/ncrsare/prod.htm
• NIFA releases first three FY2012 requests for applications to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
  The newly released RFAs are for the Agriculture and Natural Resources Science for Climate Variability and Change and Sustainable Bioenergy challenge areas and NIFA Fellowships Grant program. NIFA anticipates releasing the Food Security RFA within the next 10 days. All AFRI program information, including the RFAs, is available online. NIFA will post a series of webinars focusing on the individual RFAs to provide an overview of the program areas. Visit www.nifa.usda.gov/afri for more information.
• For more information on that project, visit the National Assessment of Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes website at http://www.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/land_carbon/default.asp.
  Additional information on the Nature Geoscience article can also be found in the National Science Foundation press release at http://nsf.gov/news/news_images.jsp?cntn_id=121994&org=NSF.
• Forest Service Report Documents Environmental Benefits of Wood as a Green Building Material.   Agriculture Secretary Vilsack urges US builders to prioritize wood in green buildings. More at: http://1.usa.gov/nAWawq
• Earth's acidity rising — Major causes and shifting trends examined to guide future mitigation efforts. More at: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2946&from=rss_home
• Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize, died Sunday, Sept. 25, at the age of 71. She taught at the University of Nairobi, served in Kenya's parliament and, in 1977, founded the Green Belt Movement, which, for more than 30 years, has mobilized poor women to plant more than 40 million trees in Kenya.
• Detecting Evidence of Climate Change in the Forests of the Eastern United States

  The fall season is perfect for taking a walk or a drive to see the beautiful leaves changing colors from green to red, orange and yellow. As climate changes, it affects the timing of when leaves emerge, the amount of foliage that grows as well as the timeframe when leaves begin to fall. The study of the timing of such events as related to climate is termed "phenology." USGS scientists are studying how forest phenology may be impacted by climate change, while also looking at how climate change impacts combine with other disturbances such as tree defoliation by insects and death by disease or fire. http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2008/3046/

• The University of Nebraska Extension's John Fech, Extension Educator and Certified Arborist, offers advice on how to care for and manage flood-damaged trees. The site also has resources for questions on horitculture, gardens and produce safety in flooded areas at: http://flood.unl.edu/web/flood/horticulture
• USDA and the FDA are working to provide aid for farmers with flood-damaged crops and to insure flood-damaged crops do not enter the food supply
• A new biofuel map by Center for International Forestry Research
  The new and interactive map referred to as the Global Biofuel Information Tool (GBIT) gives a geographical overview of biofuel production, consumption and investment all over the world.
• UNL Extension has a team that has been working on the flooding issues on the Missouri River this summer.  If you have not seen the educational resources we have assembled for the web, the team encourages everyone to it at: http://flood.unl.edu
• On September 12, a two-hour workshop is being held at 16 locations in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota focused on "Flood Recovery for Cropland".  This workshop is intended to address some of the early steps in the recovery process.  Additional workshop and information needs are under discussion.  Information on this workshop is found at http://flood.unl.edu/web/flood/after-the-flood or in the attached files.
• New website provides one-stop portal to track Forest Action Plans and trends Nationwide. One year after finalizing their Forest Action Plans, the members of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) launch a new website to provide access to every state's plan as well as national- and regional-level insight into the primary trends and challenges facing America's forests.
• Major flooding on the Mississippi River likely to cause large Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Scientists are predicting the area could measure between 8,500 and 9,421 square miles, or an area roughly the size of New Hampshire.
• USDA releases plan to promote agroforestry as means to improve the environment, make better use of land and help landowners find other sources of revenue. "This framework will help USDA focus its efforts on developing the highest priority science and tools while expanding its educational, training, and partnership activities so that America's farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners have the greatest opportunity to consider agroforestry for their operation," said Andy Mason, Director of the USDA National Agroforestry Center.
• New website provides one-stop portal to track Forest Action Plans and trends Nationwide. One year after finalizing their Forest Action Plans, the members of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) launch a new website to provide access to every state's plan as well as national- and regional-level insight into the primary trends and challenges facing America's forests.
• Major flooding on the Mississippi River likely to cause large Gulf of Mexico dead zone. Scientists are predicting the area could measure between 8,500 and 9,421 square miles, or an area roughly the size of New Hampshire.
• USDA releases plan to promote agroforestry as means to improve the environment, make better use of land and help landowners find other sources of revenue. "This framework will help USDA focus its efforts on developing the highest priority science and tools while expanding its educational, training, and partnership activities so that America's farmers, ranchers, and woodland owners have the greatest opportunity to consider agroforestry for their operation," said Andy Mason, Director of the USDA National Agroforestry Center.
• Top 10 land use challenges can be addressed by agroforestry. "Agroforestry can improve soil productivity, sequester carbon, conserve biodiversity and enhance water quality," University of Florida Professor PK Nair said.
• Agriculture Secretary Vilsack introduces a framework and map to improve the health of America's watersheds. Watersheds on national forests and grasslands are the source of 20 percent of the nation's drinking water supply.
• Attract native pollinators. Pollinators are central to biodiversity of the natural world by helping native plants reproduce, producing fruits and seeds that feed other wildlife such as songbirds and grizzly bears.
• USDA announces May 27, 2011 deadline for Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) proposals. BCAP was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and provides incentives to eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners for the establishment and production of biomass crops for heat, power, bio-based products and biofuels.
• USDA Rural Development invites applications for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Agricultural producers in non-rural areas are now eligible, funding may be used for flex-fuel pumps.
• Slaughterhouse shortage stunting area's eat-local movement. "It's enough of a problem that if one slaughterhouse goes out of business, the alternatives are too far away to be recognizably viable," said David Evans, owner of Marin Sun Farms in Point Reyes Station, one of the largest local grass-fed cattle operations.
• USDA leads the way on green buildings, use of wood products. "Our country has the resources, the work force, and the innovative spirit to reintroduce wood products into all aspects of the next generation of buildings," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.
• The Forest Service has released the first national Watershed Condition Framework (PDF) and the accompanying Watershed Condition Classification Technical Guide (PDF). The Watershed Condition Framework establishes a new consistent, comparable, and credible process for improving the health of watersheds on national forests and grasslands. The technical guide will ensure consistent application of the framework.
• More than three-quarters of Americans don't know where their water comes from. New Nature Conservancy poll illustrates disconnect between people and nature.
• USDA releases study showing conservation practices protect water resources in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Study helps improve conservation practices to build healthy future for the bay.
• How valuable are your street trees? Ask i-Tree. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell visited Philadelphia to unveil the newest version of software that quantifies the value of community trees.
• The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) and U.S. Forest Service launch Celebrate Forests Website. 2011 is the International Year of Forests. The U.S. launched its official campaign on March 1, 2011.
• Our latest issue of "Inside Agroforestry" is available. Get some riparian forest buffer "apps" for your smart farm.
• NACD Forestry Notes special report on agroforestry. The time is now for agroforestry, and conservation districts have the local relationships to spread the word.
• Adding bioenergy to the agroforestry mix. Since windbreaks and riparian forest buffers generally make up only a small part of a farm operation, integrating biomass production into new or existing agroforestry plots could serve as a means for landowners to transition into a cellulosic-based bioenergy production system. Download PDF of article here.
• Agroforestry buffers reduce runoff from agricultural watersheds. "Results from this study strongly indicate that agroforestry and grass buffers can be designed to improve water quality while minimizing the amount of land taken out of production."
• Deputy Agriculture Secretary announces Value Added Producer Grant Program changes to assist farmers as they add value to products. Job creation, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, support for regional supply networks to benefit.
• Incorporating trees with agriculture outstanding success in re-greening Sahel. "This success story is a perfect illustration of the fact the land degradation is not irreversible," said Brigadier General Abdou Kaza, Minister of Water, Environment and the Fight Against Desertification.
• Agroforestry highlighted at International Year of Forest and United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF9) launch in New York. "Agroforestry is one of mankind's best hopes to create a climate smart agriculture, increase food security, alleviate rural poverty, and achieve truly sustainable development. And, thereby, better ensure that our world's forests can indeed be conserved far into the future," said Dennis Garrity, Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre.
• USDA Forest Service unveils proposed planning rule to provide science-based framework to support healthy forests and communities. Forest Service seeks public comment on proposed rule.
• Research helps quantify value of trees. "Trees in urban areas beautify neighborhoods and provide great economic benefits," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "Aside from enhancing neighborhood aesthetics they filter the air, reduce storm runoff and absorb carbon dioxide."
• Chestnut production workshops to take current and prospective growers and educators through year of growing, harvesting and marketing. "Growing chestnuts is an excellent way to diversify your farm income," said Mike Gold, associate director of The Center for Agroforestry at the University of Missouri.
• Secretary Vilsack announces a general signup period for the Conservation Reserve Program. Announcement at Pheasant Fest marks 25th anniversary of CRP, opens new conservation opportunities to landowners.
• Study finds organic milk is better for you—whatever the weather. Emma Hockridge, head of policy at the Soil Association, said: "This groundbreaking research proves for the first time that people buying organic milk will be benefitting from the higher levels of beneficial fatty acids in organic milk through the whole year."
• Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Conservation & Community Partnerships Grant Program. The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) forest certification program has announced its 2011 Request for Proposals, inviting applications for projects that address current topics of importance to the SFI program.
• US Forest Service report spotlights at-risk species on private lands. Report provides tools for forest management.
• Conservation Reserve Program Celebrates 25 Years. "Although it was designed to address soil erosion, CRP has become one of the standouts in the USDA arsenal of conservation programs by continuing to provide significant economic and environmental benefits beyond its original intent," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
• USDA offers conservation funding to organic producers, initiative in its third year.
• No-till, rotation can limit greenhouse gas emissions from farm fields. "There is more nitrous oxide emission coming from agriculture than the tailpipes of cars and trucks," said Tony Vyn, a professor of agronomy. "And there is likely to be more nitrous oxide emission if we increase nitrogen application rates to increase cereal yields."
• New Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS) research brief examines effect of hedgerows on beneficial insects and pest control. The document by Tara Pisani Gareau and Carol Shennan is based on Pisani Gareau's graduate work studying hedgerows on Central Coast farms. It's available for free download.